Jeremie Frimpong – who has swapped Bayer Leverkusen for Liverpool in a high-profile move this summer – has signed a five-year deal with the reigning Premier League champions, and he’s now named the three GOATs of England’s top flight.
After rising through Manchester City’s academy ranks, the Dutchman made a name for himself in Scotland with Celtic between September 2019 and January 2021. Die Werkself came calling – and his stock has continued to rise ever since.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure opened a spot on the right-hand side for the 2000-born star – but when naming his three greatest Premier League players of all time, there was no room for Luis Suarez nor Steven Gerrard, both of whom are bonafide Anfield legends.
Jeremie Frimpong Related
Exclusive: Inside Jeremie Frimpong's Move to Liverpool
Liverpool have agreed a €35m deal to sign Jeremie Frimpong on a five-year deal, and Ben Jacobs has provided all the inside details of the move.
Frimpong Names His Three Premier League GOATs
No Liverpool players were included in his selections
That’s right – Frimpong, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in world football, had no room for any Liverpool players when quizzed about his three GOATS of the Premier League era, which may come as a surprise to the Anfield faithful.
As mentioned, Gerrard, who played for the Reds in a much tougher period, was snubbed; as were Suarez and his new teammate Mohamed Salah, who has taken England’s primary division by storm since arriving in the summer of 2017.
Instead, one of Liverpool’s summer recruits picked Arsenal hero Thierry Henry, who was signed by the Gunners in the summer of 1999 after wreaking havoc in Serie A with the once-dominant Juventus, who he scored three goals for in 20 outings.
Robert Lewandowski, Thierry Henry, Lionel Messi Related
10 Greatest Finishers in Football History [Ranked]
Stars such as Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi all feature in the top 10
A maverick of sorts, the 123-cap France international combined flair with a poacher’s instinct – he was the complete striker and one that struck fear into defenders all over Europe. Henry, without a doubt, is one of the greatest strikers in football history.
Although he may not be in the same category as the aforementioned French marksman, Didier Drogba – Chelsea’s goalscoring hero between 2004 and 2012 – was also chosen by Amsterdam-born Frimpong, though he started by apologising for choosing the Ivory Coast international.
Akin to a bulldozer for the way he shrugged past defenders with ease, Drogba won four titles during his two-stint, 254-outing spell in England and was part of a Chelsea side that were, at times, unbeatable under the enigmatic Jose Mourinho.
On acquiring Drogba’s services, Mourinho recalled a conversation with ex-Blues owner Roman Abramovich, who was reeling off all the big names. The Portuguese tactician was adamant that Drogba, a lesser-known star, was the man for the job. He said:
“I remember clearly. Abramovich was asking me ‘Who? Who? Who do you want for the striker?’. I told him: ‘Drogba. Mr Abramovich, pay and don’t speak!’ And Didier was an iconic player for Chelsea, for the Premier League.”
Last but certainly not least, Frimpong’s last selection was Cristiano Ronaldo, a winner of the Ballon d’Or on five different occasions. If you remember correctly, Ronaldo took the world by storm when he tipped up at Old Trafford as a fresh-faced youngster, thus piquing the interest of Real Madrid.
His glitz and glamour aside, Manchester United’s tricky winger had the heart of a lion – and that’s what set him apart from the rest. Of course, the less said about his second stint – which ended after a public fall-out with Erik ten Hag – the better.
Watch Frimpong's selections below (0:36 onwards):